Sport: 'Ikale Tahi regain focus for Japan clash

Tonga have once again rung the changes for Wednesday night's must-win Pool A clash with Japan in Whangarei.

Eight new faces come into the starting fifteen, with lock Tukulua Lokotui and flanker Sione Vaiomo'unga the only forwards retained from last week's loss to Canada.

In the backs Kurt Morath moves moves back to first-five, outside Taniela Moa, with Vungakoto Lilo returning to the fullback berth and Sukanaivalu Hufanga replacing William Helu on the left wing.

Aleki Lutui will captain the side in the absence of Finau Maka.

With a quarter final berth still a faint possibility team manager Aminiasi Kefu says the team is fully focused on the task ahead.

"The loss to Canada was a bit of a wakeup call. I think some of our players were feeling more like celebrities after that gigantic welcome arriving in Auckland and just the parade of support. So somehow we just lost a little bit of focus after the All Blacks game."